New National Manager appointed to the Telstra Foundation

Maria Simpson has been appointed National Manager of the Telstra Foundation.

A Telstra veteran of 18 years, the former secondary school teacher currently manages Telstra’s Corporate Responsibility strategy and function, where she has been instrumental in embedding into the business the principles and practices of responsible corporate citizenship.

Maria will continue to manage Corporate Responsibility alongside her new responsibilities for the Telstra Foundation.

Telstra’s philanthropic arm, the Telstra Foundation provides financial support to a significant number of community and social innovation projects across Australia. The Foundation marries Telstra’s substantial capabilities and resources to enrich the lives of children and teenagers. Since its inception in 2002, the Foundation has provided close to $26 million in funding to projects.

Maria replaces Georgia Symmons, who has taken up a new role as General Manager of Telstra’s National Indigenous Directorate.

“I’m tremendously excited to be leading the Telstra Foundation,” Maria said. “The Telstra Foundation has a wonderful record of making a real and lasting difference to the well being of young Australians. It is considered a leader among corporate foundations in Australia. I am looking forward to building on these strong foundations and driving the Telstra Foundation into the future.”